As of Saturday morning Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom
is still the current favorite at 5-2 for the 2011 Belmont Stakes according to the betting odds. The 143rd Belmont Stakes is set
for approximately 6:36 p.m. today at Belmont Park in
Elmont, New York. The prize pool is $1,000,000 and will consist of 3-year-olds on a 1-1/2 mile dirt track. Below you will find our picks and predictions for the Belmont, including a longshot selection:
#1 Master of Hounds, (updated Saturday odds 5-1): Very strong chance to upset Animal Kingdom and our selection to win the Belmont Stakes. Skipped a possible start in the English Derby to compete today at the Belmont. This horse was bred to run a mile and a half and has Garret Gomez riding him. Both of these factors are very important due to the length of the race and the maneuvering needed historically to win at the Belmont.
#12 Shackleford, (updated Saturday odds 16-1): With the chance of rain and thus a wet race, you have to factor in his Tomlinson number of 419 on an off track. The Tomlinson number is a "mud figure" based on racing on wet tracks or
historically how their pedigree has done on similar conditions. Two things are a "must" for him to compete to win the Belmont. The first is using his speed to take a quick lead and thus dictate the pace to his style. The second is a wet track to help offset Animal Kingdom who only has a 270 Tomlinson number on sloppy conditions.
#9 Animal Kingdom, (updated Saturday odds 5-2): Back to back 103 Beyer Figures and domination in both the Derby and Preakness. Only weather can possibly stand in the way Saturday in his attempt to join history with the select few who have won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Animal Kingdom is probably the best in the field, but hard to lay 5-2 in a race that has not been kind to favorites.
#6 Nehro, (updated Saturday odds 5-1): Trainer Steve Asmussen held him out of the Preakness Stakes to focus on the Belmont and give him the rest needed to complete the grueling 1-1/2 mile dirt track. The reason we like Nehro in this spot is his ability to handle both of the possible track conditions for today unlike most on the field. A solid post-position along with rest, training and breeding make him a great choice for any exotic wagering.
Belmont Stakes Longshot:
#3 Ruler On Ice, (updated Saturday odds 42-1): Love the 42-1 odds on a horse that is solid at longer distances. In two of his three past three races he was making a late surge so the 1-1/2 mile dirt track could bode well. We are quite aware of the 86 career best Beyer Rating, but at 42-1 we will take a small shot the weather can add some "luck" into the Belmont on Saturday. Important to note seven of the last twelve winners of the Belmont were not the favorite
and paid out long-shot bettors from $25.80 to $142.50 on the win.
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